In the first act, Dr. Stewart wants to schedule an operation for a boy named Carl Herrera. Philip: The boy has infected tonsils, and we should remove them as soon as possible. Carl needs an operation soon. He has been very sick. Mother: He's had so many colds and sore throats recently. But Carl doesn't want to have the operation. Carl: I don't want my tonsils out. Why doesn't Carl want to be in the hospital now?